Search

Postmodern Public Furniture Inspired by Traditional Joinery

04.02.20 | By
Postmodern Public Furniture Inspired by Traditional Joinery

London-based designer Peter Judson was commissioned by HUGE to create a series of public furniture for the Cool Docks development in Shanghai. Named Inter, the colorful collection is heavily inspired by postmodernism, traditional Asian joinery techniques, and the architectural forms found throughout Shanghai’s various neighborhoods, including the historic Jing An temple.

Inter consists of four different public seating solutions – three benches and a chair. The unexpected combination of old and new inspirations results in pieces that evoke joy and propose a topic for discussion amongst users.

Though inspired by traditional wood joinery, the pieces are realized in powder-coated steel.

In addition to influencing physical form factor, Judson’s joinery inspiration also acts as a metaphor that references the interactions between different people he hopes will transpire due to Inter.

As illustrated through eye-catching digital sketches, the pieces of each design fit together using joinery techniques without any visible hardware.

Once outside, Inter is a welcoming collection that encourages community engagement.

Photos and sketches by Peter Judson.

Emily Engle is a freelance writer based in NYC with an interest in all things design, specifically the design process. When she's not writing about design, Emily can either be found taking care of her 31 houseplants, going on "nature" walks in her neighborhood or studying Japanese.